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What Is Cumin Tea?

A. Gamm
A. Gamm

Cumin is a seed that originated in Egypt, but soon became used by many people worldwide for its supposed health and medical benefits. The cumin oil found within the seed contains several components that are believed to be very beneficial, such as vitamins A, C and E. Cumin tea has a distinct taste and is made from fresh or dried cumin seeds seeped in boiling water. Many herbal remedy specialists recommend drinking cumin tea no more than twice a day.

Several of the supposed health benefits of cumin tea are based upon the various properties within the seed. It is generally agreed that cumin has antiseptic properties that greatly widen its medicinal usage. The vitamin C is also believed to be another reason cumin tea is beneficial to drink. It also contains antioxidant vitamins like vitamins A and E. Cumin is rich in iron, which furthers its benefits even more.

Drinking cumin tea may help pregnant women induce labor.
Drinking cumin tea may help pregnant women induce labor.

Many believe that cumin tea can help to cure a wide array of ailments. The antiseptic and antioxidant components of the tea is believed to be why it is beneficial in reducing fevers, curing common colds, and curing several respiratory problems like bronchitis and asthma. Some people also note that cumin aids in detoxification of the liver and kidneys. The high iron content also makes it popular with many women during their menstrual cycles. Several midwives, especially those in Latin America, recommend drinking cumin tea to help pregnant women induce labor.

The high iron content of cumin tea makes it popular with many women during their menstrual cycles.
The high iron content of cumin tea makes it popular with many women during their menstrual cycles.

There are several other ways the tea is used for health purposes. Cumin tea is often drank with bits of ginger to soothe sore throats. Occasionally, the tea is applied topically, as some believe that it helps to clean and heal wounds. When drank or used topically, it is believed to help arthritis, though not much is known about this particular use. It is recommended, however, to seek professional medical advice with any ailment and before using cumin tea for its health benefits.

Cumin tea may be helpful in curing bronchitis.
Cumin tea may be helpful in curing bronchitis.

Most people describe the taste as having strong pepper and nut flavors with overtones of citrus. Despite the description, it is considered to be a bitter tea, so there are several different ways recommended to help ease the flavors. Some people place a small cube of raw potato in the tea, which serves to absorb the bitterness. Others simply mix honey or sugar to bring out the flavors while hiding the bitterness. A few add in a pinch of salt and dried coriander to accentuate the natural flavors of the tea.

Discussion Comments

ddljohn

@literally45-- Try mixing cumin with a little bit of fennel or aniseed. These improve the taste significantly. Of course, everyone should ask their doctor first before trying this combination. And I don't think it's safe for pregnant women.

burcinc

@literally45-- I completely understand what you mean. I was worried about the taste too before I started drinking cumin tea.

I've discovered that it's easy to make a non-bitter cumin tea if the cumin seeds are not left in the cup for too long. A tea bag or a tea infuser is great for this. Simply leave the infuser in the tea cup until a light color shows up and remove the infuser. This way, the tea is not bitter and you can still get all of the benefits.

I usually drink cumin tea once or twice a week for detox benefits. If I'm sick, then I drink it daily. It's especially wonderful for congestion, sore throat, fever and coughs. It's also great for food poisoning because it soothes the stomach and helps fight the infection.

literally45

I like cumin as a spice and I often use it when cooking. I add it to my homemade spice mixes. I've never had cumin tea though and although I believe that it has many benefits, I don't think I could ever drink cumin tea.

Like the article said, this is a slightly bitter spice, so I can't even imagine how it would taste as a tea. I doubt that sugar or honey could take away the bitterness.

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    • Drinking cumin tea may help pregnant women induce labor.
      By: Tyler Olson
      Drinking cumin tea may help pregnant women induce labor.
    • The high iron content of cumin tea makes it popular with many women during their menstrual cycles.
      By: blueringmedia
      The high iron content of cumin tea makes it popular with many women during their menstrual cycles.
    • Cumin tea may be helpful in curing bronchitis.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Cumin tea may be helpful in curing bronchitis.
    • The antiseptic and antioxidant qualities of cumin tea may ease respiratory problems such as bronchitis.
      By: rob3000
      The antiseptic and antioxidant qualities of cumin tea may ease respiratory problems such as bronchitis.
    • Cumin tea may be helpful in healing wounds.
      By: Vinicius Tupinamba
      Cumin tea may be helpful in healing wounds.